Is UMD or American University better for building a career in Washington, DC?

American University offers the more direct built-in path to a Washington, DC career, particularly for government, public policy, and international affairs. Its campus is in DC, and many students hold semester-long internships at federal agencies, congressional offices, think tanks, nonprofits, embassies, and advocacy organizations while taking classes. American’s School of International Service and School of Public Affairs are especially connected to those fields and make DC-based professional work a routine part of the student experience.

Location is the clearest practical difference. At American, an internship or informational interview can fit into an ordinary weekday schedule, making it easier to build relationships over several semesters rather than only during summers. That frequency matters in DC, where supervisors, alumni, and peers often become leads for later internships and entry-level jobs.

UMD can still be an excellent launch point, especially for a student who wants the resources of a large research university alongside access to DC. College Park is connected to the region by Metro and is close enough for internships, and UMD has strong offerings in government and politics, public policy, economics, data-related fields, and international studies. Its larger student body, extensive alumni network, and proximity to federal research agencies can be particularly valuable for policy work with a quantitative, scientific, technology, or research focus.

The tradeoff is that a DC internship from UMD typically requires more commuting and more deliberate scheduling. Students who are proactive can absolutely build a substantial DC résumé there, but American makes that process more convenient and more embedded in campus culture. Cost should carry real weight: if UMD is significantly more affordable, its DC access is strong enough that the financial advantage could outweigh American’s location edge.